Dawn Staley’s Inspiring Journey Hits Bookshelves with Uncommon Favor
Dawn Staley, a three-time Olympic gold medalist, five-time WNBA All-Star, and head coach of the three-time NCAA champion South Carolina Gamecocks, is set to release an inspirational book detailing her remarkable journey. Published by Black Privilege Publishing, an imprint of Atria Books, Uncommon Favor: Basketball, North Philly, My Mother, and the Life Lessons I Learned from All Three will hit shelves on May 20, 2025.
The book chronicles Staley’s rise from the tough streets of North Philadelphia to her decorated career in professional basketball and coaching. It offers a deep dive into the values of determination, discipline, and faith that have shaped her legendary career.
From Philly’s Streets to Global Stardom
Staley’s basketball journey began on the courts of Raymond Rosen Housing Projects, where she was the lone girl among boys, sharpening her skills through relentless practice. Her dedication led to her being named National High School Player of the Year, followed by a storied college career at the University of Virginia, where she was a two-time Naismith College Player of the Year and led her team to three Final Fours.
As a professional, Staley won three Olympic gold medals with Team USA in 1996, 2000, and 2004 and made five WNBA All-Star appearances (2001-2003, 2005-2006). Her coaching legacy is just as impressive, with three NCAA Championships (2017, 2022, 2024) at South Carolina and a gold medal-winning run with Team USA at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Staley is the only individual in basketball history to win a Naismith Award as both a player and a coach and has been inducted into both the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame and the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame.
A Personal and Powerful Story
In Uncommon Favor, Staley shares insights from her trailblazing career, reflecting on the pivotal moments and influential figures that shaped her. “From my first moment on the court, basketball made me feel like I belonged. This book is my chance to honor the people who have built me up and to show the world what I’ve learned about what it takes to move the room and get things done,” Staley said.
Her story unfolds from her humble beginnings in Philadelphia to her meteoric rise to basketball greatness—first as a player, then as a transformational coach at South Carolina. She recounts her experiences breaking barriers, building championship teams, and embracing the grind while staying true to her principles.
A Game-Changer in Every Way
Uncommon Favor offers an unfiltered look at a woman who has redefined success in basketball, refusing to back down from challenges while finding joy in the journey.
“We are honored to have acquired Dawn Staley’s debut book at Black Privilege Publishing,” said Jonathan Karp, Chief Executive Officer of Simon & Schuster. “Beyond her extraordinary accomplishments as a player and a coach, she is known as an inspiring and exemplary leader. The same winning insights that have produced championship teams will benefit generations of readers.”
Fearless and authentic, Staley’s story is a celebration of perseverance, leadership, and breaking barriers. Uncommon Favor is more than a book—it’s a playbook for achieving greatness on and off the court.
